Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, has expressed outrage over MultiChoice’s pricing disparities, demanding an immediate 30% reduction in DStv subscription fees or risk losing its broadcasting licence.
Photo by Hon Sam George
The minister’s fury stems from a comparative analysis of DStv’s rates across Africa, which reveals that Ghanaian subscribers pay significantly more than customers in other markets—including Nigeria, where the Premium package costs just $29 compared to Ghana’s $82.40. Despite Ghana’s population (34.5 million) being smaller than Nigeria’s (233 million), the price gap remains unjustifiable, especially as even smaller markets like Angola ($33) and Eswatini ($52) pay far less for the same premium content.
The minister dismissed MultiChoice’s defence that Ghana’s pricing reflects long-term currency depreciation, pointing out that Nigeria’s naira has weakened by 409% yet Nigerians still pay lower rates. “How can a company justify charging Ghanaians nearly triple what Nigerians pay for the same service?” George questioned. He described the pricing model as exploitative, particularly as Ghana’s cedi has recently stabilized. MultiChoice’s refusal to adjust prices, despite government appeals, has been met with a firm ultimatum: slash subscription costs by August 7 or face a licence suspension by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
The directive aligns with the government’s push for fair pricing and consumer protection in the digital sector. With public frustration growing over the high cost of pay-TV, the minister’s stance has garnered widespread support. “This isn’t just about affordability—it’s about fairness,” George stated. “We won’t tolerate blatant exploitation.” As the deadline looms, the showdown between Ghana and MultiChoice could set a precedent for how African nations regulate multinational media giants operating within their borders.
